Sen. John Kennedy

Maddy summaryThe Ban Birth Tourism Act of 2026 prohibits individuals from entering the United States if their main reason for travel is to have a child born there to gain U.S. citizenship. This law makes such travelers inadmissible upon arrival and subject to deportation if they are found to have entered the country specifically for this purpose. Officials determine whether someone is engaging in birth tourism by assessing if the person's primary goal is obtaining citizenship for a child or if they are likely to give birth within ten months of entry. The bill directly affects foreign nationals planning to visit the U.S. with the intent of using their child's birthplace to secure citizenship status.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting American Taxpayers Act is a comprehensive bill designed to combat government fraud, recover misused funds, and strengthen oversight across various federal programs. It directly affects federal agencies, state governments administering public assistance, small businesses, veterans, and contractors by imposing new reporting requirements, extending statutes of limitations for fraud cases, and restricting financial assistance to entities linked to foreign agents or the Taliban. Key mechanisms include requiring child care payments to be based on recorded attendance rather than enrollment, mandating investigations into sudden spikes in health care spending, prohibiting small businesses with convicted fraudsters from receiving loans, and creating a new officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs dedicated to scam prevention. Additionally, the legislation rescinds unspent pandemic-era funds for deficit reduction, expands whistleblower protections for defense and non-defense contractors, and establishes stricter rules against transferring public assistance money abroad via remittance transfers.

Maddy summaryThe American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026 streamlines the permitting process for natural gas pipelines and other energy projects by designating the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the sole lead agency for environmental reviews and establishing strict deadlines for federal and state agencies to complete their portions of the review. The bill also modifies water quality laws to reduce the number of required certifications for discharges into navigable waters, extends the validity of certain nationwide permits for dredged or fill material from five to ten years, and creates a new fund to address abandoned hardrock mines. Additionally, the legislation updates the National Environmental Policy Act to limit the scope of environmental reviews to effects directly caused by a project, impose specific timelines for agency decisions, and restrict the ability of courts to issue injunctions that would halt construction while legal challenges are pending.

Maddy summaryThe Monitor Accountability Act establishes new rules for federal judges appointing independent monitors to oversee state or local government conduct. Key provisions limit monitor fees, restrict appointments to a maximum of five years, and require public notice before a monitor is selected. The bill also mandates that monitors submit annual financial reports to the court and the public, and it ensures that cases with long-standing monitorships are transferred to a different judge after six years. These measures aim to increase transparency and prevent conflicts of interest in the appointment and management of these oversight roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the financial penalties for violating the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, which governs the export of controlled goods and technology. Specifically, it raises the maximum civil fine from $300,000 to $1,200,000 and changes the calculation for transaction-based fines from twice the value to four times the value. These changes would apply to any violations committed after the bill becomes law, affecting companies and individuals who fail to comply with export regulations. The legislation aims to strengthen enforcement by making the consequences of non-compliance significantly more severe.

Maddy summaryThe Military Sexual Trauma Accountability Act allows members of the U.S. Armed Forces to file lawsuits against the government if they suffer injury or death due to sexual misconduct by other service members or because the military failed to prevent or investigate such incidents. This law defines sexual misconduct to include rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, and it permits claims even when the government was negligent in its duties. The bill ensures that these claims are not reduced by any health benefits or services the veteran receives and sets a five-year time limit for filing, which pauses during any ongoing investigation. Additionally, the statute applies to cases that occurred before the law was passed, provided the filing deadline is calculated from the date of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Save Our Shrimpers Act directs the U.S. Treasury to oppose international financial assistance for projects involving shrimp farming, processing, or export in borrowing countries. This directive applies to international financial institutions where the United States holds voting power and is intended to protect domestic shrimpers from foreign competition. The law includes a waiver provision allowing the Treasury Secretary to override this opposition if the project serves the national interest, and the requirement expires seven years after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThe Save Our Shrimpers Act directs the U.S. Treasury to instruct American representatives at international financial institutions to vote against funding projects related to shrimp farming, processing, or export in borrowing countries. This restriction includes a waiver provision that allows the Treasury Secretary to override the vote if they determine the project serves the national interest, with the requirement to notify Congress. The mandate to oppose such financial assistance is set to expire seven years after the bill is enacted.

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.